Apple 6 manual About the Apple Intermediate Codec

Here are some advantages of using the Apple ProRes 422 codec:

åProvides lower storage costs compared to the Uncompressed 8-bit and 10-bit codecs.

åCan be used to capture using a third-party video interface with SDI or HD-SDI inputs.

åCan be used to transcode formats that Final Cut Pro does not support natively.

åCan be used to render long-GOP MPEG-2 formats (such as HDV and XDCAM HD) to avoid MPEG-2 reencoding artifacts before output.

åThe Apple ProRes 422 codec used with video processing sequence settings set for high-precision YUV rendering can be used for preview screenings (avoiding costly film transfers) and for color grading.

åThe Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) codec can be used for output to a high-end mastering format or even for output to film on lower-budget productions.

The Apple ProRes 422 Codec Works with 8-Bit and 10-Bit Source Files

The Apple ProRes 422 codec always preserves the bit depth of your original source files. This way, when you import a file using the Apple ProRes 422 codec, you don’t have to first determine whether it is an 8-bit or 10-bit file—the Apple ProRes 422 codec can automatically handle either bit depth.

About the Apple Intermediate Codec

The Apple Intermediate Codec is a high-quality 8-bit 4:2:0 video codec used mainly as a less processor-intensive way of working with long-GOP MPEG-2 footage such as HDV.

Format	Frame dimensions	Frame rate	Scanning method
720p	1280 x 720	29.97 fps	Progressive
1080i	1440 x 1080	25 and 29.97 fps	Interlaced
1080p	1440 x 1080	23.98, 25, and 29.97 fps	Progressive

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Preface About High Definition and Broadcast Formats